Systems and methods for gear guard cable tracking

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided to detect a motion event corresponding to at least one of a vehicle tow assembly, a winch assembly, or a gear guard cable. With the use of one or more cameras, the system captures images of a cable (e.g., a gear guard cable, a winch cable, or a tow cable). With the use of processing circuitry, a cable is identified in the captured images. The movement of the cable is tracked in the captured images. A motion event of the cable is identified based on the movement. In response to detecting the motion event, a vehicle comprised of the system and the cable performs an action.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. ApplicationNo. 63/243,162 filed Sep. 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure is directed to stored and connected items and,more particularly, to ensuring that items stored and connected to avehicle are safe and secure.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for monitoring a cargo bay of avehicle (e.g., a truck bed). In some embodiments, data corresponding toa gear guard cable is analyzed while, for example, the vehicle is inoperation (e.g., the vehicle is being driven by a driver or anautonomous control system) or at rest (e.g., when one or more vehiclesystems are active and configured for a monitoring mode). For example, asystem monitors the position of the gear guard cable relative to thecargo bay to determine if the cable is damaged, loose, moving orotherwise unfit and/or incapable of adequately securing cargo in thecargo bay, or otherwise being interfered with.

In some embodiments, the system includes one or more cameras configuredto capture images of a vehicle cargo bay and a cable. In someembodiments, a camera is configured to capture images of outside of avehicle. Additionally processing circuitry is configured to identify amotion event of a cable (e.g., one of a gear guard cable, a winch cable,or a tow cable) in the captured images. In some embodiments, the cablecomprises a reflective coating or reflective elements. In response todetecting a motion event, the vehicle may perform an action (e.g., closea cargo bay cover). The system further includes processing circuitryconfigured to detect the position and motion of the gear guard cable(e.g., relative to a secured or locked position). Based on detecting acurrent range of motion and comparing the current range of motion to atleast one of a stable range of motion and an unstable range of motion ofthe cable, the system can report out to the user a need to take actionrelative to the cable should the cable move from the stable range ofmotion to the unstable range of motion.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to store at least one ofimages or video from at least one of the plurality of cameras toestablish a first motion-based event, which may correspond to a securedor otherwise stable cable. The system further detects a secondmotion-based event. For example, when one end of the cable comes loosefrom an anchoring point corresponding to the vehicle bay, the motion ofthe cable has a different image/video profile than when the cable issecured to the anchoring point. Based on detecting the secondmotion-based event, the system then performs a comparison between atleast one of the first motion event, the stable range of motion, or theunstable range of motion. Based on the comparison, a cable status isdetermined and reported to a vehicle user (e.g., a heads up display orcenter console display may report a “secured” or “loose” statusdepending on the result of the comparison, where the “loose” status maybe paired with details such as “cable not secured to one of two bayanchors”).

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured toidentify the cable in the captured images (e.g., based on the reflectiveproperties of the cable), track movement of the cable between thecaptured images (e.g., comparative mapping), and identify the motionevent based on the movement (e.g., the cable is loose or broken on oneor both ends).

In some embodiments, the system detects a third motion-based eventassociated with the guard cable. In some embodiments, one camera of theplurality of cameras is positioned at the upper rear of an occupantcompartment and has a view of the exterior storage area of the vehicle.For example, the exterior storage area of the vehicle may include atruck bed. Based on detecting the third motion-based event, the systemperforms a second comparison of at least one of the cable position ormotion to at least one of the first motion event, the second motionevent, the stable range of motion, or the unstable range of motion. Thesecond comparison may yield a response action such as, for example,closing a motorized cable assembly. Other examples of a response actionincludes generating one or more audible or video alerts either similarto, the same as, or different from the cable status generated inresponse to detecting at least one of the first or second motion event(e.g., the cable was secured during the first event, became loose duringthe second event, and then was resecured during the third event).

In some embodiments, the system detects a collision event. For example,the system may detect the collision event based on one or more audiblesensors configured to monitor elevated sounds or accelerometer sensorsconfigured to monitor speed changes. Based on detecting a collisionevent, the system may prompt the user to take action relative to thecable. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry identifies alocation of damage associated with the collision event on the vehiclebased on at least one image from the captured images. The processingcircuitry provides the at least one image from the captured imagesassociated with the location of damage to the user in order to clarifyany change in status relative to the guard cable.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods include a vehicle sensorconfigured to detect a motion-based event associated with a guard cablecorresponding to a vehicle bay. The vehicle sensor may be configured tocapture an image or a video of at least one of a portion of the cable ora portion of the vehicle bay or the entirety of either or both of thecable or the vehicle bay. The system automatically captures via thevehicle sensors at least one image of the motion-based event (e.g.,captures an image of the cable as it moves relative to at least one of astarting or secured position at the time a new vehicle trip starts). Theprocessing circuitry further presents on a user interface enabling theuser to receive and view status icons corresponding to at least one ofthe cable or the vehicle bay (e.g., “Bay: Empty,” “Bay: Loaded,” “Cable:Secured,” “Cable: Loose,” “Cable: Broken,” or “Theft Alert”).

In some embodiments, the system determines that an enhanced monitor modeis enabled for the vehicle. Based on the monitor mode being enabled, thesystem permits one or more vehicle sensors to capture motion-basedevents. In some embodiments, the monitor mode is triggered automaticallywhen the vehicle is locked. In other embodiments, the monitor mode isenabled in response to the vehicle being away from a trusted location.In some embodiments, the monitor mode corresponds to an instruction toclose a vehicle bay cover in response to a determination correspondingto at least one of a loose or broken guard cable (e.g., an automatedtruck bed cover is extended over a truck bed corresponding to thevehicle bay and locked into a closed position).

In some embodiments, the motion-based event associated with the vehicleis based on at least one or more of a vehicle collision data, a vehiclepressure data, or an airbag deployment data. In response to receivingthe vehicle collision data, at least one of a guard cable status orvehicle bay status is generated for display and may include an audibleindication of at least one of the guard cable status or the vehicle baystatus.

In some embodiments, the vehicle sensor is connected to an on-boardcomputer configured to operate the vehicle. In some implementations, theon-board computer is configured to operate the vehicle as an autonomousvehicle. In some embodiments, the on-board computer is communicativelyconnected to one or more of a mobile device via a wireless connection ora cloud-based server. In some embodiments, the system in response to arequest, or automatically, transmits the stored images and videos ofmotion-based events to the cloud via a server. In some embodiments, thevehicle may process the video to reduce the size of the video byperforming an analysis on the video and cutting out extraneous content.In some embodiments, the vehicle may transmit a lower quality version tothe server and may request confirmation for transfer of the higherquality version.

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry determines a collisionevent. The processing circuitry may determine the collision event inresponse capturing at least one image of the motion-based event. Theprocessing circuitry may identify a location of damage associated withthe collision event on the vehicle based on the at least one image. Theprocessing circuitry may also provide at least one of an audio or videoindication of at least one of a guard cable status or a vehicle baystatus.

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry determines a level ofdamage to the vehicle based on at least one image of the motion-basedevent stored at a first storage location. When the level of damage tothe vehicle exceeds a threshold, the processing circuitry causes the atleast one image of the motion-based event to be stored at a secondstorage location remote from the first storage location.

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry presents an alert of themotion-based event on the user interface. The processing circuitry mayreceive a selection to view the at least one image of the motion-basedevent. The processing circuitry generates for presentation on the userinterface the at least one image (e.g., an image or video correspondingto at least a portion of the guard cable or at least a portion of thevehicle bay in order to adequately characterize whether one or both ofthe guard cable and vehicle bay are either unsecured or damaged).

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry categorizes the at leastone image into an event-based category based on an event type of themotion-based event (e.g., storing images based on at least one categorysuch as “vehicle bay damaged” or “guard cable damaged”).

In some embodiments, the vehicle may comprise an integrated package of areflective guard (with reflective elements designed to maximizedetection and suppress false alarm), the camera system, and a monitoringsystem configured to execute the various methods descried herein.

In some embodiments, the vehicle may comprise a plurality of camerasconfigured to capture images of at least a portion of at least one of avehicle bay, a guard cable, a tow assembly, or a winch assembly at bothor either of a front portion of the vehicle or a rear portion of thevehicle. Based on a detection of a motion event (e.g., by processing thecamera data with or without vehicle sensor data) corresponding to atleast one of the listed components, the tension on tow/winch cables maybe sensed corresponding to something being pulled towards the frontportion or rear portion of the vehicle. In response to sensing thetension, the torque or speed of either the winch assembly or towassembly may be adjusted based on the sensed slack to stabilize thecables comprising either the winch assembly or tow assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings areprovided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed hereinand should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity andease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of components of a system of a vehicleconfigured to monitor the surrounding area of the vehicle, the vehiclebay, and a cable guard corresponding to the vehicle bay, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system of a vehicle configured tomonitor the surrounding area of the vehicle, the vehicle bay, and acable guard corresponding to the vehicle bay, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an illustrative vehicle configured withsystem configured to monitor the vehicle bay and a cable correspondingto the vehicle bay, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an illustrative vehicle configured with aplurality of cameras disposed on the vehicle and their range of capturerelative to a guard cable in a vehicle bay, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of a vehicle featuring agraphical user interface, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative example of a vehicle featuring a systemconfigured to monitor and report a guard cable status and a vehicle baystatus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for performing anaction in response to detecting a motion event corresponding to at leastone of a vehicle bay or a guard cable, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for performing anaction in response to detecting a motion event corresponding to at leastone of a vehicle bay or a guard cable, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for optimizing thepower supply while operating in monitoring mode, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an illustrative process for operating thevehicle in monitoring mode, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods and systems are provided herein for monitoring the cargo bay ofa vehicle (e.g., a truck bed) by analyzing data corresponding to a gearguard cable while, for example, the vehicle is in operation (e.g., thevehicle is being driven by a driver or an autonomous control system) orat rest (e.g., when one or more vehicle systems are active andconfigured for a monitoring mode).

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of components of a system 100 of a vehicle101 configured to monitor the surrounding area of the vehicle, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. System 100may comprise more or fewer than the elements depicted in or described inreference to FIG. 1 . Additionally, system 100 may incorporate or may beincorporated into any or all of FIGS. 2-10 . In some embodiments,vehicle 101 is configured to capture at least one of images or video fordetermining a gear guard cable status. Vehicle 101 may be a car (e.g., acoupe, a sedan, a truck, an SUV, a sport utility vehicle, a full-sizevan, a minivan, a delivery van, a bus), a motorcycle, an aircraft (e.g.,a drone), a watercraft (e.g., a boat), or any other type of vehicle.Vehicle 101 may include any kind of motor or motors capable ofgenerating power (e.g., gas motors, gas-electric hybrids motors,electric motors, battery-powered electric motors, hydrogen fuel cellmotors).

Vehicle 101 may comprise processing circuitry 102 which may includeprocessor 104 and memory 106. Processor 104 may comprise a hardwareprocessor, a software processor (e.g., a processor emulated using avirtual machine), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theprocessing circuitry is part of an on-board computer, that is configuredto operate the vehicle. In some embodiments, the on-board computer maybe configured to operate the vehicle autonomously or semi-autonomously.The on-board computer may include communications drivers thatcommunicate with a user device 138 and servers 136. In some embodiments,processor 104 and memory 106 in combination may be referred to asprocessing circuitry 102 of vehicle 101. In some embodiments, processor104 alone may be referred to as processing circuitry 102 of vehicle 101.Memory 106 may include hardware elements for non-transitory storage ofcommands or instructions, that, when executed by processor 104, causeprocessor 104 to operate vehicle 101 in accordance with embodimentsdescribed above and below. Processing circuitry 102 may becommunicatively connected to components of vehicle 101 via one or morewires, or via wireless connection. For example, the one or more capturedimages or videos related to motion events may be automatically uploadedto the server 136 (e.g., in compressed or full format) and a user device138 can access and view the one or more captured images or videos.Alternatively, the one or more captured images or videos can be accessedremotely from the vehicle 101 (e.g., when the vehicle is connected tothe Internet or only when connected via WiFi or plugged into a charger).

Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively connected to inputinterface 116 (e.g., a steering wheel, a touch screen display, buttons,knobs, a microphone or other audio capture device) via input circuitry108. In some embodiments, at least one of a driver or occupant ofvehicle 101 may be permitted to select certain settings in connectionwith the operation of vehicle 101. In some embodiments, processingcircuitry 102 may be communicatively connected to GPS system 133 orother positioning devices of vehicle 101, where the driver may interactwith the GPS system via input interface 116. GPS system 133 may be incommunication with at least one satellite (or satellites) or server (orservers) 136 remote from vehicle 101 to ascertain the driver’s locationand provide navigation directions to processing circuitry 102. Asanother example, the positioning device may operate on terrestrialsignals, such as cell phone signals, Wi-Fi signals, or ultra-widebandsignals to determine a location of electric vehicle 101. The determinedlocation may be in any suitable form such as a geographic coordinate, astreet address, a nearby landmark such as an identification of thenearest charging station or a tagged location associated with thevehicle (e.g., a location of a home of the user stored in memory 106).

Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively connected to display112, lights 113, speaker 114 and horn 115 by way of output circuitry110. Display 112 may be located on or within at least one of a dashboardof vehicle 101 or a heads-up display at a windshield of vehicle 101. Forexample, an interface for GPS system 133 or an interface of aninfotainment system may be generated for display, and display 112 maycomprise an LCD display, an OLED display, an LED display, or any othertype of display. Lights 113 may be located at one or more of anylocation within the cabin of vehicle 101 (e.g., at the dashboard ofvehicle 101), on the exterior of the vehicle, on an interior portion ofthe vehicle door, on exterior flasher lights, on exterior headlights, oron exterior blinker lights. In some embodiments, the lights may be LEDlights and may increase luminance based on the detection of a motionevent.

Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively connected (e.g., by wayof sensor interface 117) to sensors (e.g., front sensor 124, rear sensor126, truck bed sensor 127, left side sensor 128, right side sensor 130,cable sensor 137, orientation sensor 118, speed sensor 120). Orientationsensor 118 may be an inclinometer, an accelerometer, a tiltmeter, anyother pitch sensor, or any combination thereof and may be configured toprovide vehicle orientation values (e.g., the vehicle’s pitch or thevehicle’s roll) to processing circuitry 102. Speed sensor 120 may be oneof a speedometer, a GPS sensor, or the like, or any combination thereof,and may be configured to provide a reading of the vehicle’s currentspeed to processing circuitry 102. At least one of front sensor 124,rear sensor 126, truck bed sensor 127, left side sensor 128, right sidesensor 130, or cable sensor 137 may be positioned at a variety oflocations of vehicle 101, and may comprise one or more of a variety ofsensor types (e.g., one or more of an image sensor, an ultrasonicsensor, a radar sensor, LED sensor, LIDAR sensor configured to output alight or radio wave signal, and measuring at least one of a time for areturn signal to be detected or an intensity of the returned signal,performing image processing on images captured by the image sensor ofthe surrounding environment of vehicle 101). In some embodiments,processing circuitry 102 may take into account theacceleration/deceleration of vehicle 101, e.g., based on sensor datagenerated by orientation sensor 118 which may trigger a motion eventexceeding an event detection threshold.

Processing circuitry 102 may further be communicatively connected (e.g.,by way of sensor interface 117) to collision sensors 140 (e.g., airbagsensor 142, bumper 144, side 146, top 148). The collision sensors 140may include an airbag system, e.g., window area sensors, airbag system,and collision sensor. The airbag system includes multiple airbag sensors142 arranged proximate to one or more window areas or other areas of thevehicle and configured to transmit a signal to processing circuitry inresponse to the deployment of an airbag. Vehicle collision sensor(s) 140typically include gyroscopes, accelerometers, or both. For example,vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 may include a MEMS accelerometer capableof detecting the deceleration of a vehicle during an impact and positionof the vehicle. Vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 may be arranged atvarious positions in a vehicle. For example, vehicle collision sensor(s)140 may be configured to detect impacts, motion and deceleration at thefront of vehicle 101, side of vehicle 146, rear of vehicle 144, top ofvehicle 148, or a combination thereof (e.g., at the corners of vehicle101). In some embodiments, vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 includes morethan one sensor, each having similar circuitry and capabilities fordetecting collision scenarios for vehicle 101. In some embodiments,vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 includes more than one sensor, eachhaving different capabilities that are, for example, designed for theparticular location of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensors areconfigured to capture video. In some embodiments, the level of damagemay be determined based on the damage occurring at a particular locationon the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be involved in a smallbumper-to-bumper accident, and the location sensors for the bumper mayindicate the level of damage as low based on a signal from a sensor. Insome embodiments, vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 includes a seat sensorconfigured to detect whether a person is sitting in a particular seat.

Vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 may be in communication with processingcircuitry 102. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 102 isconfigured to analyze data from vehicle collision sensor(s) 140 and sendone or more signals to activate one or more airbags 142 of airbagsystem. Based on information from vehicle collision sensor(s) 140,processing circuitry 102 may determine an impact type (e.g., a side, afront, a rear, a corner or a rollover collision or a flooding event) andvehicle occupancy (e.g., driver, and passengers, if any) and initiatedeployment of a suitable airbag of airbag system for the impact type.Based on information from vehicle collision sensor(s) 140, processingcircuitry 102 may determine which camera captured at least one of theimages or video of at least one of the impact, the vehicle bed event, orguard cable event to streamline the processing. The image, images, orvideo captured may correspond to at least one of gear guard cable, anarea inclusive of the gear guard cable, or cargo secured based on anarrangement of the gear guard cable. In response to the collision, gearguard cable and cargo related issues are analyzed for reporting a statusrelated to either or both of the gear guard cable and the cargo.

In response to the level of damage exceeding a damage threshold (e.g.,multiple airbags were deployed, bumper pressure exceed a limit asdetermined by a sensor), the system may process at least one of images,video, or other sensor data corresponding to a vehicle bay status and acable status. For example, the vehicle bay status may be at least one of“Bay: Open,” “Bay: Closed,” “Bay: Damaged,” “Bay: Empty,” and “Bay:Loaded”. In another example, the cable status may be at least one of“Cable: Secured,” “Cable: Loose,” “Cable: Cut,” and “Cable: AnchorDamaged.” In some embodiments, a status may be reported with respect tocargo, such as “Cargo: Displaced,” “Cargo: Damaged,” or “Cargo:Missing”. In some embodiments, the severity of an accident can triggerat least one of additional or other activities (e.g., emergencyresponse, accident cleanup, towing, alternative transportation).

In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 102 determines thecollision event by accelerometers sensors configured to monitor changesin speed. For example, if the speed of the vehicle changes, theprocessing circuitry 102 may perform a vehicle collision sensor check toensure that all sensors on the exterior of the vehicle are responsive.In response to the sensors not responding, the processing circuitry 102may determine that a collision occurred and being the process ofreporting a status.

Processing circuitry 102 may further be communicatively connected tocable assembly 150 or another means for securing cargo in or to anexterior storage compartment. Cable assembly 150 may include a motor152, one or more sensors 154, and spool 156. Motor 152 may include, forexample, a DC motor (e.g., permanent magnet motor, brushed or brushlessmotor, wound stator), an AC motor (e.g., an induction motor), any othersuitable motor having any suitable number of poles and phases, or anycombination thereof. For example, motor 152 may include a permanentmagnet DC motor configured to operate at 12 VDC. A clutch may beconfigured to couple and de-couple motor 152 from spool 156. Forexample, in some embodiments, the clutch is controlled by processingcircuitry 102, which may provide control signals for engaging ordisengaging the clutch. In an illustrative example, the clutch may bedisengaged to allow free-spooling of the cable assembly. Spool 156 iscoupled to motor 152, optionally via a gearset to provide gearreduction, and rotates with a motor shaft of motor 152. The cable iswound on spool 156 and is used to pull or tow cable assembly from anopen position to a closed position. Sensor(s) 154 may include voltagesensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, impedance sensors,position sensors (e.g., encoders for determining spool position), torquesensors, any other suitable sensors, or any combination thereof. Cableassembly 150 may be integrated into at least one of the body or theframe of the vehicle storage compartment or may be affixed to thevehicle separately, although the electric power and controls for cableassembly 150 are coupled to the vehicle 101. In some embodiments, cableassembly 150 may include power electronics (e.g., a motor drive), andaccordingly may be coupled to battery system 132 and be configured toreceive control signals from processing circuitry (e.g., analog signals,PWM signals, digital signals, messages).

Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively connected to batterysystem 132, which may be configured to provide power to one or more ofthe components of vehicle 101 during operation. In some embodiments,vehicle 101 may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. Insome embodiments, the processing circuitry 102 may monitor theenvironment surrounding the vehicle by utilizing a plurality of batterycells packaged together to create one or more battery modules orassemblies to store energy and release the energy upon request.

It should be appreciated that FIG. 1 only shows some of the componentsof vehicle 101, and it will be understood that vehicle 101 also includesother elements commonly found in any assembly corresponding to avehicle, such as a vehicle powered by substantially electronicpowertrain (e.g., a motor, brakes, wheels, wheel controls, turn signals,windows, or doors).

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system 200 of a vehicle 200 configuredto monitor a vehicle bay and a guard cable or other surrounding objects,in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. System200 may comprise more or fewer than the elements depicted in ordescribed in reference to FIG. 2 . Additionally, system may incorporateor may be incorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1 and 3-10 . System 200may comprise multiple cameras 204, 206, 208, and motion event detectionnetwork 210, and status detection module 218. In some embodiments, oneor more components (e.g., motion event detection network 210 and statusdetection module 218) of system 200 may be implemented by at least oneof processing circuitry 102 or processing circuitry of server 136). Oneor more of cameras 204, 206, 208 may each correspond to one of sensors124, 126, 127, 128, 130, and 137.

Cameras 204, 206, 208 may be mounted on any suitable internal orexternal portion of vehicle 101. In some embodiments, one or more ofcameras 204, 206, 208 may correspond to monocular fisheye camerasconfigured to cover a wide field of view around vehicle 101. While FIG.2 depicts three cameras, it should be appreciated that any suitablenumber of cameras may be employed (e.g., less than three cameras or morethan three cameras, such as, for example, four cameras respectivelypositioned at a front, rear and each side of vehicle 101). In someembodiments, five cameras may be respectively positioned at a front,rear and each side of vehicle 101 and facing a truck bed). Such camerasmay be mounted at any suitable respective positions of vehicle 101 inorder to facilitate the capturing images of the entire region orenvironment of motion event 202 around vehicle 101, while vehicle 101 isstationary or in motion. Motion event 202 may correspond to at least oneof the vehicle bay being opened, loaded, or closed as well as at leastone of a guard cable being secured, unsecured, broken, moved, loosened,or damaged (e.g., as reported at least in part by a cable sensor whichmay correspond to a cable anchor). Motion event 202 may be characterizedbased on captured images of at least one of the cable, cargo secured bythe cable, or a vehicle bay. A series of images may be captured bycameras 204, 206, 208, including any suitable number of images, whichprovide images of the cable inclusive of a reflective material on thecable for storage, comparison, analysis, and status reporting. In someembodiments, images may be captured repeatedly (e.g., at a predeterminedfrequency, to capture the surrounding environment of vehicle 101 overtime).

One or more images or frames captured by cameras 204, 206, 208 may beinput to motion event detection network 210, e.g., comprising framequeue 212 and neural network 214. Motion event detection network 210 maybe configured to identify one or more candidate objects (e.g., a surfaceof the cable, an end of the cable, or other features of the cablecomprised of reflective material) in the images captured by cameras 204,206, 208 using any suitable image recognition technique. In someembodiments, processing circuitry 102 may manipulate any of the seriesof captured images such that a candidate object is located at a similarposition across all camera images. Motion event detection network 210may be configured to output one or more 2D motion event analysis 216 forthe one or more candidate objects. For example, motion event detectionnetwork 210 may be configured to draw 2D bounding shapes (e.g., boundingboxes, bounding polygons, bounding triangles, bounding ellipses, orbounding circles) around candidate objects (e.g., vehicles, humans,animals, gear guard cables, or other obstacles) positioned in front of,behind, or to a side of vehicle 101. Frame queue 212 may store theplurality of images captured by cameras 204, 206, 208 of the surroundingenvironment of vehicle 101, and such images may be input to neuralnetwork 214 in, e.g., a first-in first-out manner. Neural network 214may be, e.g., a convolutional neural network (CNN), or any othersuitable machine learning model trained to accept as input an image of asurrounding environment of vehicle 101 and output respective motionevent analysis 216 for the one or more candidate objects. Objectproximity to vehicle 101 may be estimated based on the object detectionrepresentation. In some embodiments, when one or more of cameras 204,206, 208 correspond to a fisheye camera, which produces a relativelylarge distortion based on its wide-angle lens, neural network 214 may betrained using images having a distortion similar to the distortionproduced by fisheye camera lens.

In some embodiments, neural network 214 may be trained to learn patternsand features associated with certain classes of objects (e.g., a person,a car, a bus, a motorcycle, a train, a bicycle, a gear guard cable, or abackground). In some embodiments, such machine learning models may betrained to learn patterns and features associated with sub-classes(e.g., a sedan, a minivan, a truck) of a class (e.g., cars).Classification may be carried out by neural network 214 comprising oneor more machine learning models, such as a CNN trained to receive inputimages of objects surrounding a vehicle (e.g., where the image may beannotated with any suitable bounding shape relative to at least one ofan object, a distance from vehicle to object annotation, or a class ofobject annotation), and output likelihoods that these vehiclescorrespond to particular vehicle categories. Such CNNs may be trained ontraining data sets containing images of vehicles manually tagged withtheir particular vehicle types. In some embodiments, any combination ofthe following classes may be employed via at least one of training orevaluating the model (e.g., background, airplane, bicycle, bird, boat,bottle, bus, car, cat, chair, cow, dining table, dog, horse, motorbike,motorcycle, person, potted plant, sheep, sofa, train, TV monitor, truck,stop sign, traffic light, traffic sign, motor). In some embodiments, aconfidence score may be output along with the prediction of a class towhich an identified object belongs (e.g., an 86% confidence an object isa human being).

In some embodiments, any suitable batch size may be used in training themodel (e.g., 32, 64, or any suitable batch size for training the model)and a neg_pos_ratio for hard negative mining may be any suitable value(e.g., 3, 5, or any suitable numeric value). In some embodiments, anysuitable weights may be applied to the classes of objects (e.g., toaccount for entropy loss). For example, the classes of bicycle, bus,car, motorcycle, person, and train, may be assigned respective weightsof 1.25, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9. 1.25, 0.9. In some embodiments, a prior boxfrom baseline may be updated considering the characteristics of abounding shape of a particular object (e.g., person).

Status detection module 218 may be configured to output a determination220 of a cable issue (associated with motion event analysis 216)corresponding to at least one of a vehicle bay (e.g., a truck bed) or agear guard cable comprising vehicle 101. The status detection module 218may include outlier rejection model and object-to-vehicle distanceestimation model. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g.,outlier rejection model and object-to-vehicle distance estimation model)of status detection module 218 may be implemented by at least one ofprocessing circuitry 102 or processing circuitry of server 136.

Status detection module 218 may receive one or more motion eventanalysis 216 from motion event detection network 210, and performpreprocessing at 102, e.g., to extract suitable features from at leastone of motion event analysis 216, convert motion event analysis 216 intoa vector or matrix representation, or match formatting of motion eventanalysis 216 to formatting of template data, normalization, resizing, orminimization. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may performone or more of the following image processing techniques: brighteningthe image or portions thereof, darkening the image or portions thereof,color-shifting the image (e.g., among color schemes, from color tograyscale, or other mapping), cropping the image, scaling the image,adjusting an aspect ratio of the image, adjusting the contrast of animage, performing any other suitable processing to prepare the image, orany combination thereof. Any suitable number of features of thecandidate object may be input to status detection module 218 (e.g., an xcoordinate, a y coordinate, a height, or a width associated with anobject).

The determination 220 of a cable issue (associated with motion eventanalysis 216) corresponding to components of vehicle 101 may determinewhether there is movement or damage to at least one of a vehicle bay/bedor a gear guard cable. For example, the gear guard cable may be brokenor interfered with and determination 220 yields the generation of aninstruction to close at least one of a vehicle bay door or a vehicle baycover.

In some embodiments, motion event analysis 216 operates on the capturedimages using comparative mapping. For example, the cable can beidentified in the images based on its reflectivity and differences inthe cable position between images can be used to determine movement ofthe cable. Status detection 218 may be configured to determine an amountof movement (e.g., rate of change or absolute movement) of the cable anddetermine whether it is within an acceptable range. If the amount ofmovement is greater than a threshold, then a motion event is determined.While the vehicle is moving, a motion event may indicate that the gearguard cable is loose or not secure. While the vehicle is at rest, amotion event may indicate that the cable or cargo associated with thecable is being interfered with.

FIG. 3 shows a top view 300 of an illustrative vehicle 302 configuredwith a monitored area for detecting an issue corresponding to at leastone of a vehicle bay or the gear guard cable corresponding to thevehicle bay, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Top view 300 may comprise more or fewer than the elementsdepicted in or described in reference to FIG. 3 . Additionally, top view300 may incorporate or may be incorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1,2, and 4-10 .

Top view 300 includes a depiction of vehicle 302 along with the positionof the cameras disposed around the vehicle. Vehicle 302 may includemultiple cameras 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312, and a plurality of eventdetection thresholds 320, 322, 324 and 326 (e.g., values correspondingto sensor, video, or image analysis to determine a motion eventcorresponding to at least one of vehicle bay 328 and the guard cableinstalled in vehicle bay 328), and a proximity sensing module, notshown. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g., motion eventdetection network 210 and status detection module 218) of system 200 maybe implemented by processing circuitry 102 (or processing circuitry ofserver 136). One or more of cameras 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 may eachcorrespond to one of sensors 124, 126, 127, 128, 130, and 137. Camera304 is positioned on a first side of the vehicle, camera 306 ispositioned on a front side of the vehicle, camera 308 is positioned on asecond side of the vehicle, camera 312 is positioned on a rear side ofthe vehicle and camera 310 is positioned at the upper rear of anoccupant compartment and has a view of the exterior storage area of thevehicle. In some embodiments, any suitable number of cameras may beused, and diverse positions of the cameras (e.g., showing a variety ofdifferent angles at varying distances from each other in variousdifferent environments) may be used.

The use of cameras 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 can be used to form theevent detection thresholds 320, 322, 324 and 326. For example, by havingthe cameras capture images surrounding the vehicle, objects that exhibitmotion-based characteristics that exceed a motion event threshold maytrigger an event detection action. For example, a first event detectionthreshold 324 of the plurality of event detection thresholds 320, 322,324, 326 may span any suitable distance from the vehicle and eachsubsequent event detection threshold may be closer to the vehicle 302.For example, the first event detection threshold 324 may incorporate atleast one of sensor, video, or camera data corresponding to motionevents occurring within a first proximity of the entire vehiclesurroundings, while the second event detection threshold 322 mayincorporate at least one of sensor, video, or camera data correspondingto motion events occurring within a second proximity of the entirevehicle surroundings. Third event detection threshold 320 mayincorporate at least one of sensor, video, or camera data correspondingto motion events occurring within a third proximity of the entirevehicle surroundings, while fourth event detection threshold 326 mayincorporate at least one of or only one of sensor, video, or camera datacorresponding to motion events occurring within vehicle bay 328, whichis illustrated with a guard cable affixed to the two side wallscomprising vehicle bay. The proposed event detection thresholds areillustrative and should not be limited in number and distance from thevehicle. In some embodiments, any two event detection thresholds may beemployed as part of the event detection system. In some embodiments, thecaptured images may comprise a fisheye image of any suitable size (e.g.,1376x976 fisheye image).

In some embodiments, vehicle 302 comprises at least one of tow assembly328 or winch assembly 330. For example, either or each of tow assembly328 and winch assembly 330 comprise components which can be monitoredlike the guard cable (e.g., reflective materials which can be analyzedfor position and motion characteristics through sensor data, video data,and or image data analysis).

FIG. 4 shows top view 400 of an illustrative vehicle configured with aplurality of cameras disposed on the vehicle and their range of capture,in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Top view400 may comprise more or fewer than the elements depicted in ordescribed in reference to FIG. 4 . Additionally, top view 400 mayincorporate or may be incorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-10.

Top view 400 includes a depiction of vehicle 402 along with the positionof the cameras disposed around the vehicle. Vehicle 402 may includemultiple cameras 404, 406, 408, 410 and 412, and a respective imagerange 414, 416, 418, 420 and 422 for each camera 404, 406, 408, 410 and412. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g., motion eventdetection network 210 and status detection module 218) of system 200 maybe implemented by at least one of processing circuitry 102 or processingcircuitry of server 136. One or more of the cameras 404, 406, 408, 410and 412 may correspond to at least one of sensors 124, 126, 127, 128,130, and 137 of FIG. 1 or cameras 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 of FIG. 3 .One or more of the cameras 404, 406, 408, 410 and 412 may be similarlypositioned as described above in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, anysuitable number of cameras may be used, and diverse positions of thecameras (e.g., showing a variety of different angles at varyingdistances from each other in various different environments) may beused.

The use of the cameras 404, 406, 408, 410 and 412, and their respectivecaptured images, can be used to for at least one of determining orreporting at least one of a vehicle bay status or guard cable status.For example, by having the cameras capture images surrounding thevehicle, objects that appear within an image range may trigger capturingan image. In some embodiments, capturing an image includes capturing avideo and audio. For example, a first image range 414 corresponds to animage captured by camera 404, a second image range 416 corresponds to animage captured by camera 406 (e.g., corresponding to the front winchassembly), a third image range 418 corresponds to an image captured bycamera 408, a fourth image range 420 corresponds to an image captured bycamera 410 (e.g., at least one of vehicle bay 428, the guard cableaffixed to vehicle bay 428, or the tow assembly) and a fifth image range422 corresponds to an image captured by camera 412 (e.g., correspondingto the tow assembly). The captured images may be captured in response toone or more motion-based events being detected by cameras 404, 406, 408,410 and 412 or where an object is detected within any one of eventdetection thresholds 320, 322, 324, 326 by cameras 304, 306, 308, 310and 312 or any other sensors, e.g., ultrasonic sensors, radars.

In some embodiments, vehicle 402 comprises at least one of a towassembly or a front winch assembly. For example, either or each of thetow assembly and the front winch assembly comprise components which canbe monitored like the guard cable (e.g., reflective materials which canbe analyzed for position and motion characteristics through sensor data,video data, and or image data analysis).

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative example of vehicle 500 featuring agraphical user interface 502, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Vehicle 500 may comprise more or fewer than theelements depicted in or described in reference to FIG. 5 . Additionally,vehicle 500 may incorporate or may be incorporated into any or all ofFIGS. 1-4 and 6-10 . In some embodiments, a graphical user interface 502may refer to components incorporated into, coupled to, or accessible bya vehicle such as a vehicle 500 in FIG. 5 .

Vehicle 500 is equipped with a graphical user interface 502 that may beused to enable/disable vehicle systems including options to enable anddisable monitor mode, vehicle event detection mode or any other mode, orno mode at all. For example, a user in vehicle 500 may use the graphicaluser interface 502 to access options on the vehicle 500. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface 502 may be incorporated intovehicle 500 or user equipment used to access such vehicle system whileusing vehicle 500. In some embodiments, vehicle systems displayed on thegraphical user interface 502 may be communicatively connected with userinputs (e.g., microphone and speakers for providing voice command) ofvehicle 500. For example, the user may provide a voice command toactivate the monitor mode and the audio system incorporated into vehicle500 may convert such a command to engage the vehicle monitor mode.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of monitoring system 600. Monitoring system 600comprises vehicle 602, vehicle camera 604, guard cable 606, vehiclesensors 608, and tow assembly 610. Monitoring system 600 may comprisemore or fewer than the elements depicted in or described in reference toFIG. 6 . Additionally, monitoring system 600 may incorporate or may beincorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1-5 and 7-10 .

Arranged within a rear vehicle bay (e.g., a truck bed) corresponding tovehicle 602 is cargo 612. Cargo 612 is at least partially secured to thebay of vehicle 602 by guard cable 606. Unsecured guard cable 614corresponds to an exemplary scenario of guard cable 606 losing at leastone connection. Unsecured guard cable may be detected by any or all ofcamera 604 and vehicle sensors 608 (e.g., any or all of the sensors fromFIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ). When guard cable 606 changes to unsecured guardcable 614, a motion event is detected based on at least one of camera orsensor data which may trigger a notification to be presented to thedriver of vehicle 602 (e.g., as exemplified by any or all of theexamples depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and described herein). In someembodiments, the camera is positioned at the upper rear of an occupantcompartment of the vehicle and has a view of a bed storage area of thevehicle. The action performed in response to detecting the depictedmotion event by the vehicle comprises generating a notification for auser or performing a security response (e.g., closing a cargo/storagearea cover). In some embodiments not depicted in FIG. 6 , a cable is atow cable coupled to the vehicle. The processing circuitry of thevehicle is configured to identify the motion event by identifying slackin the tow cable. The action performed by the vehicle comprisesadjusting speed of the vehicle in order to reduce slack in the towcable.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of process 700 for performing a response, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 700may comprise more or fewer than the elements depicted in or described inreference to FIG. 7 . Additionally, process 700 may incorporate or maybe incorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1-6, and 8-10 . For example,process 700 may be executed at least in part by one or more ofprocessing circuitry 102 or processing circuitry of server 136.

At 702, processing circuitry 102 may capture images of one or more of atleast a portion of a guard cable or at least a portion of a vehicle bay,or more than a portion of at least one of the guard cable or the vehiclebay (e.g., captured by cameras 204, 206, 208, which may be wide-anglefisheye cameras as part of monitoring the vehicle to determine at leastone of a vehicle bay, tow assembly, winch assembly, or guard cablestatus). In some embodiments, processing circuitry 102 captures theimages whether the vehicle is in motion or stationery. In someembodiments, the captured images may be in response to a user enabling amonitor mode which monitors the surrounding area of the vehicle and thevarious vehicle components to detect motion events corresponding to atleast a portion of at least one of a vehicle bay, a guard cable, a towassembly, or a winch assembly that exceed an event threshold value(e.g., oscillation of a component, amount of movement of a component,rate of movement of a component, rate of acceleration of a component,frequency of a sound generated by a component). In some embodiments, theprocessing circuitry may employ the neural network 214 to provide anannotation appended thereto, or otherwise input to information metadata,where the annotation indicates at least one of a particular class (e.g.,gear guard cable, person, car, bus, motorcycle, train, or bicycle) or avehicle to object distance annotation. In some embodiments, at least oneof images or video of at least one of a vehicle tow assembly or winchassembly may also be captured.

At 704, processing circuitry 102 may detect a first motion-based eventsurrounding an environment around vehicle 101 (e.g., as captured bycameras 204, 206, 208, which may be wide-angle fisheye cameras that maydetect motion within a first event detection threshold 324). In someembodiments, the vehicle may be in a sleep mode with only ultrasonicsensors monitoring of at least a portion of at least one of the vehiclebay, the guard cable, the tow assembly, or the winch assembly 101 and inresponse to detecting a first motion-based event, the system may wake upthe vehicle and initiate camera-based monitoring for at least one ofmotion events, collisions, or impacts. Any suitable number of images maybe captured at any suitable capture rate. In some embodiments, thesystem may identify false positives by applying a time limit on thelength of time the motion event is within a first event detectionthreshold. For example, someone walking by the front of the vehicle maynot be a motion event if they are in the frame for less than a couple ofseconds.

The first motion-based event may be detected based on a number ofcircumstances and scenarios. A first example of a motion-based event iswhere a vehicle is parked and inputs from the environment (e.g., aperson, another vehicle, or another object) either impacts or interactswith at least one of the vehicle, the gear guard cable, the cargosecured by the gear guard cable, or the vehicle bay in which the cargois secured via the gear guard cable. A second example of a motion-basedevent is where the vehicle is in motion and an environmental eventoccurs leading to a rapid change in at least one of rotation, lateral,or other acceleration of the vehicle which leads to a shift in aposition of at least one of the gear guard cable, the cargo secured bythe gear guard cable, or the vehicle bay in which the cargo is secured.The second example corresponds to a driver of the vehicle seeing anapproaching object and having to perform a rapid change in trajectory(e.g., a hard turn) or where an approaching object impacts the vehiclewhile the vehicle is moving. In either the first or second example, oncethe motion-based event has occurred, there is a risk there was a shiftor change in the status of the gear guard cable or the cargo which mayrequire attention of the vehicle driver, thereby triggering thepresentation of a status to inform the driver whether action should betaken with respect to the vehicle bay, the cargo in the vehicle bay, orthe gear guard cable.

If processing circuitry detects a first motion-based event, (“Yes” atstep 704), the processing circuitry proceeds to step 706. Otherwise, ifthe detected at least one image or video does not identify a firstmotion-based event, the detection falsely identifies at least one objector the at least one object in the image or video is beyond a range ofinterest (e.g., 10 feet) from vehicle 101, at least one of the image orvideo may be discarded and process returns to step 702. In someembodiments, the processing circuitry stores the images and permits thembe overwritten if not accessed and saved.

At 706, processing circuitry 102 may store images from the firstmotion-based event of an environment around vehicle 101, e.g., capturedby one or more cameras 204, 206, 208, which may be wide-angle fisheyecameras or a combination or fisheye and standard cameras. In someembodiments, object-to-vehicle distance may be determined using thetraining data of neural network 214 or a portion thereof, e.g.,indicating annotations of distances between objects and a subjectvehicle. In some embodiments, object-to-vehicle distance estimation maybe trained based on using the use of at least one of ultrasonic sensorsor training images in which an object is within 10 feet from a vehicle(e.g., manually tagged to indicate a distance from the object to thevehicle).

At 708, cameras 204, 206, 208 may detect a second motion-based eventsurrounding an environment around vehicle 101, e.g., captured by cameras204, 206, 208, which may be wide-angle fisheye cameras within a secondevent detection threshold 322. The second motion-based event may be inresponse to the first motion-based event or may be a separate eventwhere an object is detected within the second event detection threshold.In such a case, detecting an object within the second event detectionthreshold also satisfies detecting an object with in a first eventdetection threshold. Any suitable number of images may be captured atany suitable capture rate. If processing circuitry detects a secondmotion-based event, (“Yes” at step 708), the processing circuitryproceeds to step 710. Otherwise, if the detected at least one image orvideo does not identify a second motion-based event, the detectionfalsely identifies at least one object or the detected at least oneobject is beyond a range of interest (e.g., 8 feet) from vehicle 101, atleast one of the at least one image or video may be discarded, andprocess returns to step 702.

At 710, processing circuitry 102 may perform a first response action.For example, the processing circuitry 102 may use one or more audiblealerts, visual alerts, closing windows, locking a door or covering thevehicle bay. The system may perform the first response action to deterthe motion event from resulting in lost or damaged cargo in the bay.

At 712, processing circuitry 102 may detect a third motion-based eventsurrounding an environment around vehicle 101, e.g., captured by cameras204, 206, 208, which may be wide-angle fisheye cameras within a thirdevent detection threshold 320. If processing circuitry detects a thirdmotion-based event, (“Yes” at step 708), the processing circuitryproceeds to step 714. Otherwise, if the detected at least one image orat least one video does not identify a third motion-based event, thedetection falsely identifies at least one object, or the detected atleast one object is beyond a range of interest (e.g., 4 feet) fromvehicle 101, at least one of the at least one image or video may bediscarded, and process returns to step 702. The second response actionmay be one or more of a visual alert, an audible alert, closing awindow, locking a door, or closing the vehicle bay. In some embodiments,the second response action may close a motorized cable assembly on thevehicle bay. In some embodiments, the closed motorized cable assembly isover a truck bed. In some embodiments, the truck bed includes a numberof thresholds triggers that each correspond to event detectionthresholds based on proximity of a motion event to a truck bed. Forexample, a first event detection threshold for an object approaching theperimeter of a vehicle may cause an alarm to flash or a horn to sound,and another event detection threshold for an object/motion eventaccessing a storage area - e.g., an arm is detected reaching into thetruck bed, may cause the motorized cable assembly to close. In such acase, the motorized cable assembly may begin to close along an alarm toalert the motion event. In some embodiment, closing the motorized cableassembly may begin in response to the object or motion event approachingthe first event detection threshold.

In some embodiments, based on the output of status detection module 218,processing circuitry 102 may determine whether motion event analysis 216is an outlier. For example, processing circuitry 102 may determinewhether the object is located at a portion of at least one image orvideo (e.g., a sky) where an object of that particular class (e.g., aperson) is determined to be at least one of unlikely to be detected orbeyond a range of interest (e.g., 10 feet) from vehicle 101. If theoutput indicates motion event analysis 216 is at least one of a falselyidentified object or is beyond a range of interest (e.g., 10 feet) fromvehicle 101, at least one of the at least one video or image may bediscarded.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of process 800 for performing a response, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 800may comprise more or fewer than the elements depicted in or described inreference to FIG. 8 . Additionally, process 800 may incorporate or maybe incorporated into any or all of FIGS. 1-7, 9, and 10 . For example,process 800 may be executed at least in part by one or more ofprocessing circuitry 102 or processing circuitry of server 136.

At 802, images are captured of at least a portion of a guard cable or atleast a portion of a vehicle bay, or both. If, at 804, the cable is notidentified in the images (NO at 804), then process 800 returns toprocess block 802. If, at 804, the cable is identified in the capturedimages (YES at 804), then process 800 proceeds to process block 806. Forexample, the cable may be identified based on the detection of areflective coating, tape, pattern, paint, or other reflective materialwhich may be identifiable in captured images. At 806, movement of thecable in the captured images is tracked. For example, the images areanalyzed for identifiers (e.g., reflective material) which can be usedto characterize aspects of the cable motion in the images as compared toexpected motion. A neural network corresponding to a vehicle configuredto execute the processes of the present disclosure may be configured tostore images and bin images based on the detection of the cable andbased on the identification of motion events. In some embodiments, theneural network may bin images based on expected cable behavior known orpast identified motion-events. Each bin of images may be iterativelyupdated using new data collected to improve the warnings andnotifications generated by the system. If, at 808, a motion-based eventis not identified (NO at 808), then process 800 returns to process block802. If, at 808, a motion-based event is identified (YES at 808), thenthe vehicle is caused to perform an action at 810. For example, themotion-based event may involve at least one of the gear guard cable, thecargo secured by the cable, or the vehicle bay in which the cargo issecured. Any or all of these elements may move or be damaged. The actionperformed at 810 may include generating a status notification for any orall elements listed or performing a securing move such as closing orlocking the vehicle bay (e.g., closing a tonneau cover to prevent losingthe cargo) or causing the vehicle to slow based on damage.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of process 900 for optimizing the power supplywhile operating in a monitor mode, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure. Process 900 may comprise more or fewer thanthe elements depicted in or described in reference to FIG. 9 .Additionally, process 900 may incorporate or may be incorporated intoany or all of FIGS. 1-8 and 10 . Processing circuitry 102 may monitorthe vehicle power state to monitor the environment and vehicle bay ofvehicle 101. For example, when the battery level is low, the system maybe disengaged to avoid draining the battery power.

At 904, the system starts at a vehicle sleep mode. For example, whenthere are no motion events and no impending collisions. In this mode,the vehicle preserves battery power. At 902, in response to a motionevent approaching the vehicle or an impending collision is identified,the system switches to the vehicle standby mode. In the standby mode,the vehicle may issue event detections, for example, first responseaction and second response action discussed above in more detail. Themonitor mode starts in a disengaged mode at 906, and in response to arequest or automatically based on locking the vehicle, the vehiclemonitor mode is engaged to step 908. In 908, the monitor mode is engagedand monitoring the surrounding environment. When the presence of anobject, such as a motion event, is detected within a first eventdetection threshold 324 (e.g., large radius), then at 910, the systembegins to record the vehicle’s surrounding environment and at least aportion of at least one of a vehicle bay, a guard cable, a tow assembly,or a winch assembly. If the presence of the object ceases, then themonitor mode reverts to monitoring the vehicle’s surrounding environmentand at least a portion of at least one of a vehicle bay, a guard cable,a tow assembly, or a winch assembly. Continuing to 912, when thepresence of a motion event, is detected within a second event detectionthreshold 322 (e.g., small radius such as four feet), then at 912, thesystem begins to record the vehicle’s surrounding environment and playaudible and visual alerts, as discussed earlier. In the case that thepresence of the motion event, is out of the first threshold, then thesystem returns to the previous step. In each of the previous steps, asthe vehicle shifts from a disengaged status to an engaged status, thevehicle increases in power usage and when operating in batteryconservation mode, the length that the vehicle remains at the higherpower modes is reduced.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of process 1000 for operating the vehicle in amonitoring monitor mode, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Process 1000 may comprise more or fewer than theelements depicted in or described in reference to FIG. 10 .Additionally, frame 100 may incorporate or may be incorporated into anyor all of FIGS. 1-9 .

The system depicted via FIG. 10 includes a four states of the monitormode, from precondition state 1002, disabled state 1004, enabled state1006 and engaged state 1008. In the precondition state 1002, the vehicleoperator can set the conditions determining the motion-based events andthe response action in response to a motion event. Further, the vehiclemay include a storage device for capturing the video content. In thedisabled state 1004, the vehicle operator has preprogrammed the monitormode but is electively disabled the monitor mode or is missing at leastone criteria (e.g., missing storage device). In the enabled state 1006,the vehicle is enabled in the monitor mode and is unlocked. In thismode, the vehicle does not record any content. In the engaged state1008, the vehicle is locked and monitoring for motion events and readyto perform any and all response actions.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of thisdisclosure, and various modifications may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Theabove-described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustrationand not of limitation. The present disclosure also can take many formsother than those explicitly described herein. Accordingly, it isemphasized that this disclosure is not limited to the explicitlydisclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses, but is intended to includevariations to and modifications thereof, which are within the spirit ofthe following paragraphs.

While some portions of this disclosure may refer to examples, any suchreference is merely to provide context to the instant disclosure anddoes not form any admission as to what constitutes the state of the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a camera configured tocapture images of outside of a vehicle; and processing circuitryconfigured to: identify a cable in the captured images; track movementof the cable in the captured images, identify a motion event of thecable based on the movement; and in response to detecting the motionevent, cause the vehicle to perform an action.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the cable is one of a gear guard cable, a winch cable, or a towcable.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable comprises areflective coating or reflective elements.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein the processing circuitry is configured to identify the cable inthe captured images based on identifying the reflective coating or thereflective elements.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the camera ispositioned at an upper rear of an occupant compartment and has a view ofa bed storage area of the vehicle; and the action performed by thevehicle comprises generating a notification for a user or performing asecurity response.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein when the vehicle ismoving, the action performed by the vehicle comprises generating thenotification for the user indicating the cable or gear may be loose. 7.The system of claim 5, wherein when the vehicle is at rest, the actionperformed by the vehicle comprises the security response.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the action performed by the vehicle comprises asecurity response comprising activating one or more of a visual alert oran audible alert.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the cable is awinch cable coupled to a winch; the processing circuitry is configuredto identify the motion event based on the movement by identifying slackin the winch cable; and the action performed by the vehicle comprisesadjusting torque to the winch.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein: thecable is a tow cable coupled to the vehicle; the processing circuitry isconfigured to identify the motion event based on the movement byidentifying slack in the tow cable; and the action performed by thevehicle comprises adjusting speed of the vehicle.
 11. A methodcomprising: capturing images of outside of a vehicle; identify a cablein the captured images; identifying a motion event of the cable in thecaptured images; and in response to detecting the motion event, causingthe vehicle to perform an action.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe cable is one of a gear guard cable, a winch cable, or a tow cable.13. The method of claim 11, wherein the cable comprises a reflectivecoating or reflective elements.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereinidentifying the cable in the captured images comprises identifying atleast one of a reflective coating or a reflective element of the cable.15. The method of claim 11, wherein: the camera is positioned at anupper rear of an occupant compartment and has a view of a bed storagearea of the vehicle; and causing the vehicle to perform an actioncomprises generating a notification for a user or performing a securityresponse.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein when the vehicle ismoving, the action performed by the vehicle comprises generating thenotification for the user indicating the cable or gear may be loose. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein when the vehicle is at rest, the actionperformed by the vehicle comprises the security response.
 18. The methodof claim 11, wherein causing the vehicle to perform an action comprisesperforming a security response comprising activating one or more of avisual alert or an audible alert.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein:the cable is a winch cable coupled to a winch; identifying a motionevent comprises identifying slack in the winch cable; and causing thevehicle to perform the action comprises adjusting torque to the winch.20. The method of claim 11, wherein: the cable is a tow cable coupled tothe vehicle; identifying a motion event comprises identifying slack inthe tow cable; and causing the vehicle to perform the action comprisesadjusting speed of the vehicle.